Motor-driven lamp hanger



SePLZ, 1952 1.a. FARRINGTON ETAL 2,609,170

MOTOR-DRIVEN LAMP HANQER v Filed March 19, 1948 A e Smets-sheet 1 /NvE/vrona.

THAYER 5. FARB/Nunn Hanna L. ALZELL ATORNE YJ.

Sept. `2, 1952 Filed March 19, 1948 T. B. FARRINGTON ETAL MOTOR-DRIVEN LAMP HANGER 6 sheets-sheet 2 THAYER B. FARR//vera/v Hanno L. DALzfLL x y? MM@ zum..

Arron/vero.

Sept 2, 1952 T. B. FARRINGTON Erm. 2,609,170

MOTOR-DRIVEN LAMP HANGER Filed Mann 19, 194ee sheets-sheet 5 A T'RNEYS Sept. 2, 1952 T. B. FARRINGTON ErAL 2,609,170

` MoToR-nRIvEN LAMP HANGER Filed March 19, 194 6 Sheets-Sheet /A/vE/von 77mm@ B. FARR/Nsro/v HARmo L. .OALZELL A TORNE Y6 Sept 2 1952 T. B. FARRINGTQN ETAL 2,609,170

MOTOR-DRIVEN LAMP HANGER Filed March 19.. 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 5v NVENTORS Wmv/E@ E. FARR/NGTQN Hnnmo L. DALzELz.

T. B. FARRINGTON |:r AL. 2,609,170

sept. 2, 1952 MOTOR-DRIVEN LAMP HANGER 6 Sheets-Sheetv 6 Filed March 19, 1948 /Nvf/vrons THA YER B. FARn//yora/v HARo/.D L. DALZELL ufuvn/ Y A Tron/wm Patented Sept. 2, 1952 UNITED ls'nrrxs PATENT OFFICE' Moron-DRIVEN LAMP HANGER Thayer B. Farrington, Cleveland Heights, and Harold L. Dalzell, Cleveland, Ohio, assignors to The `'Ihompson Electric Company, Cleveland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application March 19, 1948, Serial No. 15,794

9 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in disconnecting and lowering lamp hanger structure.

An object of the present invention is to provide anlimprovement in the combination ofa fixed hangermember in an elevated position and a lowering hanger member adapted to be raised and lowered therebeneath, said lowering member carrying a lamp. Our improvement provides power means in the form of an electrical motor for causing the raising and lowering action of the lowering hanger member.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a motor on the fixed hanger member for winding up iiexible supports such as tapes or cables from which the lowering member is suspended. In one form of our invention the power for this motor is supplied from an external circuit with a control switch in a remote location as for instance, on the wall of the room. In another form of our invention the energizing circuit for the motor is on the fixed member itself, and may be part of a standard lighting circuit, and a long rod extends from the xed member to the floor so that an operator, by inserting the rod in the fixed member may control the operation of the motor from the fioor.- In kanother form of our invention, a motor circuit is provided on the fixed member including a plug-in socket and the operator carries a rod having a circuit adapted to be plugged into the socket and in turn having an extension cord adapted to be plugged in at any suitable source of power.

Anotherobject of our invention is to provide the operating motor on the lowering hanger member together with various means for controlling the power for energizing the motor. In one form of our invention flexible electrical conductors for energizing the motor extend from the lowering hanger member upwardly to a reel on the x-ed hanger member and are there connected with an external electrical circuit which yextends to a remote location where the control switch is located. In another form of this invention a rod carried by the operator on the floor is engaged in the fixed member in an elevated position to control the flow of current to the reel where it is connected to the flexible conductors extending downwardly to the lowering hanger member. In another form of our invention, a plug-,in socket on the lowering hanger member is connected with a rod carried by the operator and this rod carries an electrical circuit adapted to be connected through a source of power by an extension cord. In still another form of our in- .vention 9, plug-in rod brings power from the 2 xed hanger member downwardly where it is connected to the lower end of the second rod which in turn is plugged into a socket on the lowering hanger member to supply power to the motor.

Still another object oi our invention is the provision of drums or the like for winding up the flexible supports by which the lowering hanger member is suspended. This drum means maybe located either on the fixed or the lowering hanger member. In this form of our invention the operator is provided with a long rod on the lower endof which is an electrical motor. This motor is connected by means of a shaft extending upwardly through the rod and the upper end of the shaft has a disconnectable clutch connection, with a driven member on the hanger member which in turn leads to the drum means. The motor at the lower end of the rod in the operators hand is then provided with an energizing circuit in any suitable manner such as by connection with an extension cord to a suitable outlet 0r a connection by means of a long rod upwardly to an enerfgizing circuit on the fixed hanger member.

Other objects and advantages ofour invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and description and the essential features will be set forth in the appended claims.

In the drawings, Fig. 1 is a. side elevational View of one form of our device where the electrical motor is mounted on the iixed hanger member and supplied with power from an external circuit. Parts of the View are broken away to more clearly show the construction;

l Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of Fig. 1 taken along the line 2-2 thereof;

Fig. 3 is an end elevational view of the device of Figs. 1 and 2 taxen along the line 3 3 of Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmental View taken along the line lloi' Fig. 2 with a portion of the switch housing broken away to show the switch closing spring; f

Fig. 5 is a wiring diagram for the device shown in Figs. 1-4, inclusive;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a device like Figs. 1-4, but showing a rod extending downwardly to the floor for the purpose of vcontrolling the electric circuit to the motor;

Figs. 7 and8 are diagrammatic views showing two difierent Ways for controlling the supplyl of electricity to the motor of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is an end elevational view of a device like kIiigs. l to 4, except that the powerfor operating the motor is supplied through a rod extending provided on the xed hanger member for winding up the ilexible supports which support the lowering hanger member. In this form the power is supplied from a motor xed at the lower end of a long rod extending from the iioorrupwardly to the fixed hanger member and there providedV with a clutch. The dot-dash portion of this view shows an alternative means for supplying power to thek motor;

Fig. 13 is an end elevational view oi the device of Fig. 12 showing the lowering hanger member in lowered position;

VFigli is an enlarged elevational view oi the same taken along the line |4-I4 of Fig."13with aportion of theupper enclosing hood broken away to more clearly show the construction;

- Fig. 15 is an enlarged fragmental sectional View taken along the vline ||5 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is an enlarged fragmental sectional View taken along the line |6|6 of Fig. `14:; Fig. 17 is an end elevational view of a modifled form of our device wherein the motor and the drum means for winding the flexible supports are mounted on the lowering hanger member. In this form of our device the power for the motor is supplied from an external circuit through a flexible conductor which is wound on a reel mounted in the iixed hanger member;

Fig. 18- is an end elevational view of a device like: Fig. 17 wherein the drum means and the motor for operating the same are mounted on the lowering hanger member. In this form of our device the power for the motor is supplied through a flexible rod extending downwardly to an operator standing on the floor and connected to a suitablesourcerofv power;

Fig. 19 is an end'elevational view of the device like Fig. `except that here the-drum means for winding the flexible cables only is mounted on thelowering hanger member andthe motor Yfor operating this-drum is at--the lower end'of a long rod which is provided at its Yupper' end with clutch means fordrivingvthe drum means. Fig. 19 also illustrates how the vpower for this motor may be brought downwardly by means of a'rod plugged into .aconnection on-the xed hanger member.

Fig. 20 shows a substitute for the motor drive ef.Figs.14 and 19...

One form of our device is shown in -Figsf 1 .to 5 inclusive, wherein an electric motor |32 is mounted on one of the separable members to drive cables connected to the other ofthefmembers so as to control the lowering and raising of the lamp hanger member. In ,Fig. 1 only a portion of the lowering member |33 isshownbef cause this member is similar to that shownat 25 and 25 in the copending application ofThayer B. Farringtonl et al., Serial No. 589,822, filed April 23,1945, forA Overhead Mounting for Tubular Lighting Fixtures, "now Patent No. 2,564,328. The upper fixture comprises a'trough-like members |34 opening downwardly.l Obviously, this trough-like form maybe supported in its ele- `vated position by any suitable means. Mounted 'in iixed position in the upperL member |34'is the motor|32 `which drives a shaft-'|35 mounted -for rotation in suitable brackets |36. Worms |31 and |38 on this shaft mesh with worm wheels |31 and |38 respectively. Each of the worms rotates a shaft |39 and |40 respectively, these shafts also being rotatably mounted in the brackets |36. Shaft |33 carries drums |39 for rotation therewith. Likewise, the drums |40. rotate with shaft |4B.-Four`cables |42 are wrapped on rthe four drums shown in such a direction that upon rotation of motor |32 in one direction all of the cables i are wound on the drums, and upon rotation of the motor in the opposite direction, all oi the cables are unwound from the drums. The free ends of the cables are connected to the lowering hanger member |33 by connection to the pins |43.

Located centrally of the upper fixture |34 are two fixed contacts |44 suitably insulated as shown and connected by conductors |45 with a source of electric power not shown. Mating contacts |46 adapted to register with the contacts |44 are resiliently mounted on the lower-member ,liby means of the brackets |41 as shown'in Fig. 1.. Electrical connections. (not. shown) .are secured between the binding posts |48 and the lamps. |49 which are detachably mounted` on the: loweriiv` ture. The details ofthe lowering memberv need not be describedY here but include the vusual reector, and,. in the caseof the tubular lamps, may carry the ballast |50, suitable starters for the lamp, etc., where such electrical apparatus is necessary. The meansv|5|"is-shownfor-posie tioning the lowering hanger member with respect to the trough |34 to insure that the lowering member enters into the upper trough. YThis also insures that the contacts |45 and |144` are in registration before they engage.

Suitable electrical wiring for! the device of Figs. 1, 2, and 3 -isindicated diagrammatically in :Figi-5'. Themotor |32 lis a single phase reversible motor supplied from, the-electricalr lines'Li, Lz.- The line4 Li is connectedby line '|52 to thecentral co`ntactl53a of a single p ole double-throw switch 53 which may be mounted on a wall ofthe room or 'any'other station `accessible tothe operator. In one position of thel switch, lit'"connectsthe contact |53a. with contact-|5315 which leads' through limit switch v|54 and line |55. to motor 32 and thence through a 4winding ofithat motor to line |56 and back to the source L2.' v This wind ing-operates motor |32 in -a direction to raise the lowering hanger member |33. 'lnanother position of switch |53, it-joins contact'v |53a with contact |530, thelatter leadingthrough line |51 and limit switch |58 to linef|59 and another tap Von motor |32.-V This winding ofthe motor is con nected `with line |56Jand back Vto the source Le. This last named winding serves' to drive motor |32 in theopposite direction to-the-rst described winding, namely in a direeztiontolowerthe memberi3f3. l

The limit switches |54 and |58 areprovidedso that lthe Aoperator may throwthfel switch-|53 -in the l"desired direction and ythereafter thfe member |33' will be -driven to'a limit-position where the motor will be automatically deener'gized:

Referring `rst'to limit switchf-|58, this may be mounted on the bracket |36 and-iprovi'dedlwith anal-m actuator i60-'having its headf-Ialocated adjacent one of thelastturnsofcable |42 onone of thedrums |39as best-seen invF'igs.v 2 and-4. A- blockv or button 16|- suitably positioned on the cable -|42 moves downwardly when'v sufficient 4cable has been unwound'from the drum-andengages the head layso as to actuate"switeh|58 fand open th`e=contaets-|58a thus opening the 'cincuit described above and stopping the downward' movement of the member |33. Even if there is more. cable on the drums, themember |33 will stay in this position where it is stopped by the limit switch, that is to say, gravity will not pull the member |33 farther downward because the worm and worm wheel drive |31, |31 prevents such action. f

When the switch |53 has been thrown into the position engaging contact |53b to cause upward movement of the member |33, this action will continue until limit switch |54 opens the circuit. It will be noted in Figs. l and 2 that limit switch |54 is mounted on bracket |36 and has an actuating stem |62 depending downwardly in position to be engaged by a top portion of member |33 just as the reflector engages the bottom of the trough-like member |34. At that moment, the stem |62 is moved up slightly disengaging the switch contacts |54a and opening the circuit to stop the upward movement of member |33. Here again the worm and worm wheel drive holds the member |33 in elevated position against the kaction of gravity. l

It will be noted that both switches |54 and |53 are normally closed, that is to say. spring means is provided as shown to close these switches once the actuator |60 or |62 has been released so that these switches are always set for another operation. l i In Figs. 6 and-9 are shown devices exactly like Figs. 1, 2 and 3 insofar as the motor and the drums forwinding up the flexible supports |42 are concerned. Here the motor 32 is mounted on the fixed hanger member as before, but the means for energizing this motor is different. In Fig. 6 the energizing circuit for motor |32 is connected with the source La, L4 as diagrammatically shown in Fig. 7. This motor circuit is brought out to aplug-in socket 2| on the side of the hood |34. A guide 22 fixed in position on the upper hanger member serves to guide a rod 23 into electrical connection with the socket 2|. This rod 23 is long enough to extend from the elevated fixed hanger member to the operator standing on the floor below. i

The diagrammatic view of the electricalcircuit for operating the motor |32 in the device of Fig. 6 is shown in Fig. 7. In general the operating circuits for the motor |32 are like that shown in Fig. 5 and the limit switches |54a and |58a perform the same functions as described in connectionwith Fig. 5. Inside the rod `23 are electricallines 24, 25, and |52V having prongsv at their upper ends to connect with the socket 2|. The line |52 is analogous tothe line |52 of Fig. 5; and leads to a switch |53 which is analogous to a switch |53 of Fig. 5. This switch in either of its broken line positions of Fig. '7 will connect line |52 either with line 24 or with line 25. In one of its positions the switch causes the motor |32 to operate to-wind up the flexible connectors |42 and in its other connection the switch causes the motor to turn in the opposite direction to unwind the flexible connectors |42.

In Fig. 8 there is shown a rod 2-3 which performs much `the same function as the rod 23 in Fig.` 6.y Here, however, the rod 23' provides mechanical'vmeans for controlling the electrical circuit for the motor |32, whereas therdevice of Fig. '7shows electrical means in the rod 23 for the same'y purposes. Referring again to Fig. 8, the rod 23"houses an oscillatable shaft'26 which carries a handle 26a. at its lower end extending out through the rod for operation by a person stand- 6 ing on the floor. At the upper end of shaft 26 is mounted a switch 2Gb having two arms so spaced that in one position as shown in full lines in Fig. 8 the switch will connect line |52 with the contact 28 to operate motor |32 in one direction. In the broken liney position of Fig. 8wthe switch 2Gb will connect line |52' with contact 21 so as to operate the motor |32 in the oppositev direction. The diagram of Fig.-8 is intended toA include at the left of the line A--A all of the diagram of Fig. `7 to the left of the line A-A indicated there. Preferably means is provided on rod 23 such as the shoulder 26e engaging the flaring end of the guide 22 so as to limit the upward motion of the rod 23 when the switch 2Gb is in proper position.

In the form of our device shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the construction is exactly the same as that described in connection with Figs. 6, 7, and 8 except that the motor |32 is now provided with a circuit in the xed hanger member which runs to a plug-in socket 29 quite analogous to the socket n2| described in connection with Fig. 7. Here a rod 33 is provided adapted to plug into the socket 2S at the upper end of the rod, which, of course, extends downwardly to the oor. The rod 30 carries electrical lines 3|, 32, and 33 which are connected through switch 34 at the lower end of the rod for the purposes of reversing motor |32. The difference here is in the manner of supplying the power to the motor. The source L1, L2 is connected through an extension cord 35 and a pronged connection 36 with a receptacle 31 on the lower end of rod 3|).

The devices of Figs. 1 to 5 are for very high mountings or for very heavy fixtures or for iii-'- stallations where appearance is important. It should be obvious that the devices shown in Figs. 7 to 10 have this advantage over the'devices shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive, that the operator need not walk back and forth to a switch 53 in a remote location, but instead he carries the rod 23 or the rod 30 with him and may operate the raising and lowering apparatus while standing beneath the lighting fixture. In the case of rod 23 he merely has to operate the switch |53 or the handle 26a in the case of Fig. S. In the forms shown in Figs. 9 and 10 he has to plug in the extension cord 35 and thereafter operates the switch 34. The modication in Fig. 11 is another manner of supplying lcurrent to the rod 33 whether or not the extension cord is used. In this case the extension cord may be done away withv by providing a xed socket 33 on the fixed or elevated hanger member. A rod 3S is provided with two electrical conductors 40 and 4| extendf ing tol pronged connections at the upper end adapted to'plug into the socket 38. At its .lower end, the rod 39 is provided with a receptacle 42 connected withy the lines 40 and 4|, an extension cord 43 may then be plugged into the receptacle 42 at one end and into the receptacle 37 at the bottom of the rod 33 at the other end and thus supply current to the motor |32 in Fig. 11 in much the saine manner that motor |32 was supplied in Fig. 1G. Obviously, rods 3D and 39 of Fig. llmight be combined into a single rod with five prongs. l

The plugs 2|, 28, 23 and 3B mightbe placedrat the end of the elevated member or in the ceiling.

In the device shown in Figs. 12 to 1t,` inclusive, the lowering hanger member 44 is suspended by flexibleV cables or ,tapesj45 whiohudn tumgare aeeaiivo Wou'rldon drums 46 which are suitably mounted.

in the" fixed hanger` member 41. A main. shaft 48 extending .longitudinally of `the fixed member 47 has suitable .gear connections 49 with a cross.

shaftii at each end of the xture which in turncarries twoof the drums 4B. At its midportion .the shaft 48 is driven by means of a wormogear 5I, which yin turnis driven by means of a .worm52 which is rotatably mounted in a housing .53 and provided withv a. drive shaft 54 Vwhich has a clutch connection 54a atits lower end. .A rod 55 adapted to. extend .fromthe overhead iixture to the floor is provided at its lower end with a motor 56. This motor drives a shaft 51 extendingupwardly throughA the .cen tral portion of the rod 55. At the upper end of Shaft 51 it iS provided kwith a clutch member 51a .adapted to coaot with the clutch member 54a when the two parts are engaged. A guide member 58 is provided for euidue the upper end .0i rod 55 into proper position to engage the clutch parts.

A suitable mechanism for the motor 56 and rod 55 is disclosed in the oopending application of Thayer IB. Farrington, Harold L. vDalzrell, and Robert K. Farrington, Serial No. 775,942, filed September 24, 1947, to which referencey may be had for a more complete description. In that copending application there is shownla motor 5,4 in the position of the motor 55 oi Ff-ig. i2. Thehousing 48 of the copending application is analogous to the rod 55 and the shaft 47 of the copending application is analogous to the shaft 51 of Fig. 15 of the present application. At 59 in Fig. 15 we show a bearing adapted to support the upper end of the shaft 5l in a secure manner as described in the above-mentioned copending application. This insures a proper meeting between the clutch parts 51a and 54a. The motor is connected b-y wire 6i) to any suitable source of power. The switch 6i located on orv near the motor provides a control for operating the motor in either direction.

AIt will be Clear from the above description that the operation of the device shown in Figs. 12 to 16, inclusive, is very simple. The operator carrying the rod 55 and its motor 55 approaches the fixture and inserts the. upper end of the rod in the guide 58s'o as to engage the clutch men ber 51a with the clutch member 54d. The operator then moves the switch 5l soas to turn the motor in the proper direction. If he is lowering the member 44, he. operates the motor inv thatdrection to cause the drums. 46 to un wind the flexible supports 45 until the motor has reached the desired lower limit. To return the lower member M to its uppermost position, the operator moves the switch 6 lin the opposite direction and causes the drums 46 to up the flexible supports 45. "Since the drive connection 5 l-52 is irreversible the loweringhanger member 4e will 'remain in its raised position automatically upon reaching that position and the disconnection of the clutch 51m-54a.

It will be noted that in Fig. 14 matingcontacts |44 onthe fixed hanger member and 145' on the lowering member are provided. e These are analogous to thecontaets |45 and Hlfshowrl iniFigs. land 2 and performl the samevfunctions, namely, to energize the lamp carried by the lowering` hanger member. 1

In one form of our device as illustrated in dotdash lines in Fig. 12, means is provided to energize the motor 55 by means of a separate rod 82 which is plugged at its upper end intoa locketanalogous to the' lsocket 38 on Fig. -11.

s; This `brings power .to the Wires GS :at thelower end `of rod 62 and meansis providedfonconnecting these vwiresto the motor, 5,6.. The op,.- erator is thusV enabled to energize themotor 58.1y from .the individual fixture. ,at which he 1,5 standing. 1 i

Our. deviceis equally adaptable .to the mounting of the driving motor on the lowering` hengel.' member. l Such modications are shown in lilies. 17.3,I1d-f18. l' I v 1 In 1iig..17v a motor 541 and four drums ,6.5 are mounted .on the lowering hanger member 66 and. these-parts are; arranged exactly likeY the motor |32 and thev drums 139. .and 140 .shown in Figs. 1 and 2. They are also provided witha eommon drive shaft analogous lto|35 of Figs.. 1 and 2. The lowering hanger member is supported, by flexible cables or tapes .61 which are woundon the. drums Band extend upwardly; to a fixed. connection in the hood .68, which in turn is lo-. cated near the. ceilinees in previously described forms of our device.` 1t will be understoodtbat the various devices for mounting a lamp the member 66 and for energizing thessame are provided in the .usual manner andit is unnecessary to describethe. details here. Y

In the form. of deviceshown in Fie- .1l-the means provided for energizing the motor 64 c0111- prses iiexible. electrical conductors ,in the @able or conduit B9 which is suitably connected with the motor circuitatthe. lower end. This conduit 6.9 is nexibleand extends upwardly where .it-is wound over a spring take-up reel. l0 rotatably mounted in suitable brackets connected with the upper fixture. B8. By eleetrieal brushes noty shown. but well knownon this art the electrical conductors in thecable or conduit. 65 yare eerlnected where tlfiey leave-tbe reel l!! with-a Suit` able source of electric power for operating the motor 64 in Aopposite directions. Thisoperating Circuit is connected with thesource Llj-Lz and by means of; a switch ll the direction of rotation of the motor 54 may be controlled The. operation @ifv Fig. 17 is similar to that described in Fissi to 5 where the .Switch 1l ie located at any convenient spot perhaps upon the wall ofthe room where the light xture is located. By operating4 the switch 1I-the motor 64 may be controlled` to lower 0r raise the lamp wheneverdefV sired. l

In Fig. 18 a modified form of device is shown whereinythe motor 54, andthe drums B5 are mounted on Vthe loweringghanger member l56 A4as shown inFig. 17. This lowering memberjssus- .-f pended by means of the iiexible tapes or cables 461 extendingupwardly to the ,f-ixed member 65; The diiierence irl/Fig. 18 isin .the manner of 'supplyingy power t0 the motor 64. Here a short .electrical circuit i2 for meter 65 .extends to e plug-in socket 'I3 in fixed positionA on the side of the lowering hanger member-@A rod Hl is then provided ofY sufficient length to` extend `to the floor when the hanger member is in its raised andeperative position. kThis rod 1411s provided with circuits lilre` theseshownviil: red 2,3 previously described; and koperable ler'nfieeiis. of a switch-15 mounted on: the lower end of the .red- The .power source iseonneeted to the lines T5 which extend to anyfsuitablefsouree. ofgeleetrie power. Since the .lowering member .665 changes its'position as't approaches. the floor it ispreierfable and desirable t0A providev the. rod- '1 4 with 5a very short flexible portion: 14a ets-indicated in Fig. 18 's'orthat it may. bend as thezlowering hanger memberrcomes down.;A f y In Fig. y19 is shown a still further modification wherein the lowering hanger member 1l has mounted upon it four drums 18 upon which are wound the flexible supports 19 which extend upwardly to fixed connections in the upper fixed member 80. The drums 'i8 are driven in exactly the same manner as the drums 45 described in connection with Figs. 14, l5, and 16. The driving mechanism is exactly the same except that it is mounted on the lowering hanger member instead of upon the fixed hanger member. The drive member consisting of a worm (not shown) is exactly like the worm 52 and is mounted in the housing 8l shown in Fig. 19. This worm is'provided with a shaft analogous to shaft 54 having a clutch member on 'its lower end exactly as shown in Fig. 15. A rod 82 is provided adapted to reach to the floor and provided at its lower end with a motor 83. This rod and motor are analogous to the rod 55 and motor 56 of Figs. 14 to 16 except that the rod 82 is provided with a short exible portion 82a for the same reason that rod 14 was. The motor 83 may be connected by lines 84 with any suitable source of power.

The operation of the device of Fig. 19 should now be apparent. 'I'he operator takes the rod 82 and inserts it in the guidel so as to properly engage the clutch parts analogous to the parts 51a and 54a described in connection with Fig. 15. Motor 83 is then operated in a direction to lower or raise the hanger member'l'l as desired.

Another manner of energizing the motor 83 is indicated in Fig. 19 where a second rod 85 is provided extending upwardly to connect with a suitable socket 86 connected in the stem 81 which is rigid with the upper member 89. The socket 86 is connected by electrical means not shown with a circuit in the fixed member 80. The plug or socket 86 might be in the ceiling if desired. The rod 85 is provided with internal circuits like the rod 39 of Fig. 11 so as to bring the electrical power to the lower end of rod 85 and to the electrical connection 88 which may be suitably connected to the motor 83 in any manner desired. In this way the operator may obtain power for the motor 83 directly from the fixture which is being operated, or from an overhead lighting circuit.

Obviously in Figs. 17 and 18 the power might be provided by an extra rod plugged into an overhead plug in exactly the same manner as the rod 85 used in Fig. 19.

Also `in Fig. 17, the control circuits for motor 64 might be located in the fixed hanger member and connected with the conductors in cable E9. Then such a circuit might be controlled by a rod extending to the floor like rod 23 of Fig. 7 or rod 23' of Fig. 8.

Fig. 20 shows a manual drive through a crank 89 which might be substituted for the motor 56 of Fig. 14 or for the motor 83 of Fig. 19. By turning the crank in opposite directions the worm 52 may be rotated to run the lowering hanger member up and down. This is an inexpensive device and good for low fixtures where very little time would be required to crank the lowering member down and up. The crank 89 might also be substituted for the motor 83 of Fig. 19.

In all of the modifications it is contemplated that when elongated fluorescent lighting tubes are provided, they will be accompanied by suitable ballast, starters, sockets and standard wiring circuits necessary for such equipment. For instance, in Fig. 14 we have indicated somewhat diagrammatically ballast 90, a socket 9| for holding one end of a fluorescent lighting tube 92 and electric wiring circuits 93 and 94 for connecting the electrical contacts |46 with a standard energizingcircuit for the lamp carried in the reflector unit 44. It should be understood that the wire 94 extends to one or more starter units (not shown) at the left hand end of the member 44. The guide member l5l is similar to the guide I5I previously mentioned and fits snugly in the overhead xed housing 4l when the lowering hanger member is pulled up into position with very little play laterally or endwise. This insures proper mating of the electrical contacts l44 and |46.

What we claim is:

1. In lighting apparatus comprising a fixed member in an elevated position above a floor and a lowering member adapted to occupy a raised operative position in juxtaposition with said fixed member or to occupy a position lowered therebelow, and wherein a lamp is carried by said low-A ering member, the combination of flexible supports connected between said fixed andv lowering members, means on one of said members for winding and unwinding said flexible supports,` a rod adapted to reach from saidone member to the floor, a motor carried by said rod, means for energizing said motor, and a drive connection between said motor and said winding and unwinding means.

2. In lighting apparatus comprising a xed member in an elevated position above a floor and a lowering member adapted to occupy a raised operative position in juxtaposition with said fixed member or to occupy a position lowered therebelow, and wherein a lamp is carried by said low--Vv ering member, the combination of exible supports connected between said xed and lowering members, means on said fixed member for wind,- ing and unwinding said iiexible supports, a rod adapted to reach from said fixed member to the floor, an electrical motor mounted on the lower end of said rod, a driven shaft extending from said motor to the upper end of said rod, disconnectable clutch means between said shaft at the upper end of said rod and said winding and unwinding means, and means for energizing said motor.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said motor energizing means comprises a circuit on said fixed member, a second rod having an electrical circuit throughout its length, means connecting said circuits at the upper end of said rod, and means for connecting said second rod circuit with said motor.

4. In lighting apparatus comprising a fixed member in an elevated position above a floor and a lowering member adapted to occupy a raised operative position in juxtaposition with said fixed member or to occupy a position lowered therebelow, and wherein a lamp is carried by said lowering member, the combination of flexible supports connected between said fixed and lowering members, means on said lowering member for winding and unwinding said flexible supports, a flexible rod adapted to reach from said lowering member in raised position to the floor, an electrical motor mounted on the lower end of said rod, a driven flexible shaft extending from said motor to the upper end of said rod, disconnectable clutch means between said shaft at the upper end of said rod and said winding and unwinding means. and means for energizing said motor.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein said motor energizing means comprises a circuit on said cedmember.aasecondzrnd.havingiamelecstr-iafli circuiti throughout its :;length;.means` cone meeting;saicttcircuitszattlieiuppersendxofasaidwrod; and means for conneetingjsaid .secondirodAcrcuit with:saidimotor.y

61111121 lighting' apparatusA comprising, ai: iixed inemberfirr.anr elevated p ositioniandi an lowering memben'adapted' vto :occupy-a raisedeoperative :p ositionin-juxtapositionzwithzsaidiixedimember'or tooccupy afposition detachedeandiloweredrtherey be1ow,. a-ndiv wherein.N a lamp` is carried:.by,v said lowering? member,V the combination: ofi flexible supportsrconnectedrbetwe'en.saidxed-.andz-lowering members, means on one of said membersfor Winding and unwinding said iiexiblefsupport'ssred spectively' as-` saidfloweringi memberisf raised and lowered; shaft-.zadaptedi to .-extend'ifromi one-.of saidk-memberszlin its? elevated.- position' to's an a' cperaton' on the:A floor; a. detacl'iable` connection f. be,k tweenlthe'npperendrof said shaftvand saidwind.-y ing;1A and. unwindingmeansiand. a'cranle. at the lower. end. of said. shaftfor manual. rotation?v ofv saidisha'ft.`

7. In.` lighting; apparatus comprising a1 xedmember. in) ani elevated position: and= ai lowering member.- adapted ztofoccupy a'raisedioperative po.- sitionfin juxtapositionawithsaidfxed member. or tooccupy a position detachedfand:loweredtherer below,I and wherein: a lampisf carried byf said:

lowering member, the combinationv of flexible supports connected-.betweensaid fixedrandllowering-members, means onl one of.. saidI membersror.- winding:andnnwinding,V said flexible-supportare? spectivelyE asfsaidiloweringA member'isrraised. and. lowered; .a.hollowY rod` adaptedr to .extend lsubstanf tially the entire-.distancelfrom-one ofi said members in: its elevated'. position. toian. operator.v on the'J 11001:', a-. flexible shaft. rotatably'monntedxin.- sidesaidf.` rodra;r detachable connection .between thefupper. end-ofsaid:shaftfandsaidiwinding: and

I2 unwindingemeans;- andra. cra-nlnet the :lcwervzfend oilsaid shaftffor manual rotationzof. saidfshaft; 8. InL lighting apparatus. comprising af fixed memberain. anlelevated ipositionlabove acfloonand a.- lowering, member adapted.- to. occupy a raised` operative :position .in-juXtapositionwith.saidfixedw memberl. oi; to occupy;` a.. position lowered. there-Y below and whereinA alampfis carr-ieeLJDyr said lowering. member,. the` combination. ofiflexible, supports connectedbetween.saidxect andlower.- ing;members,means.on one OSadlmembersforwinding and. unw-inding` said flexible*- supports;- Ya.. rod adapted.. to reachfrom.` saidona member.. to theafloor, .alshafti extending from. thev -lower.;end 0L said.. rod-to' the; uppen end thereof, f ai discorrnectabledriveconnection;betweeirthe.ilppeizeiidA o said; rodi: and;v said windingand...V unwinding meansand means. at the. lower. end" of saixLrod; for rotating'` sad-shaft;l.

9.1..'13l1e. combination. of; clainL L wherein,- said meansA forenergizi-ngesaidmotor comprisesasecondlrnd,` having; an elentri':zalLcircuitl throughout itsilength, anoverheadlelectical energizing .cirrcuit',..means. for. connecting said; rnd circuitto said'overheadlciicuinattleupper.endofLsaiirod, and' means f or connecting. said rodlcircuit. atlthe lower .endofsaidmod to. saidmotor.

THAYER` B?. 'FARRINGTON- REFIERJEHWJES'i CITED?- Thev followingY references' are'. offrecord" in'. the lile of' tliisA patent*- 

